Fri.-Sun. March 13-15

Even considering the spectacular coastline of California, Monterey and Big Sur stand out. With its unique marine ecology, Monterey Bay has a great concentration of wildlife: birds, overwintering monarch butterflies, sea mammals and migrating whales. Outstanding wildlife locations dot the area: Elkhorn Slough and Moss Landing, Salinas and Carmel River estuaries, Pt. Lobos and Julia Pfeiffer State Park, among many. During this exciting weekend we can expect to see Sea otters and Sea Lions as well as pelicans, plovers, herons and egrets, raptors, and many kinds of shorebirds, ducks and songbirds. From 80 to 90 species of birds is typical during a weekend. We meet noon Friday at Elkhorn Slough (at Moss Landing, south of Santa Cruz), and the tour ends Sunday in Monterey. Tour includes half-day bay cruise for whales and pelagic birds (additional). Tour fee does not include meals, accommodations or transportation. We will stay at the Monterey Bay Lodge,  not far from the beach. Information on directions and birds will be provided at registration. Many excellent wildlife and bird photography opportunities.